drvb8d

This is exactly my problem, as I mentioned a few weeks ago. Why would you let me know I'm #1 this early in the process? "One of our top candidates" seems so much easier to swallow! I expressed my disappointment AND optimism in an email to the DoG the day I received the letter (early Feb). I've since sent an email to both the DoG and my specific faculty contact, updating them on a recent conference presentation and various writing opportunities. I believe fellowship decisions will happen soon, so I'm confident people will make firm decisions once they do or don't have extra money on the table.

I was waitlisted as well, though they gave me a number (#1). I feel like this must be a way of saying "hang tight, you'll get there." It would be horribly sadistic, otherwise... right?

My wife and I have lived in Columbia for the last year and a half while I get my MA. We'll be leaving this summer for another program or job and we already know we'll miss it terribly. It's a really nice big-little town. We live at the Lake Broadway Townhomes on W, Broadway. I highly suggest it for anyone who doesn't want to live near students, but live close enough to the action that a half hour walk up the street from downtown gets you home. Our rent is only $900/month for a two bedroom, two bathroom townhome. Plus, it includes EVERYTHING (electric, cable, internet, garbage, water, etc). There is quite a bit to do here. I really enjoy all of the nature areas. There are only two real downsides in my opinion. First, there is really nothing outside of Columbia. KC is a few hours to the west, St. Louis an hour and a half or so to the east. Outside of that, don't expect much. The other problem has to do with the rate of growth in Columbia. The city is in the middle of a pretty significant population boom. Many of the street lights and roads, however, have not been adapted to the increase in cars. It can get pretty hectic. Couple that with the city's desire to allow bike riders a lane in the road and you've got a pretty big mess around rush hour (and many other times of the day). Still, this is minor in my mind. If I could have transitioned into a PhD program here (my dept doesn't have one), I wouldn't have hesitated to live here longer. Anyone with a spouse should not feel bad about bringing them to the middle of Missouri either. My wife has probably made more friends than I have and will probably miss the town the most.